Oil theft: Tantita Security tackles Navy, says accusation bizarre

The Tantita Security Services Limited has described as bizarre and mischievous the accusation by the Nigerian Navy that the company was involved in illegal activities in Ondo State.

The navy had issued a statement on Thursday on the arrest of a 77-metre-long motor tanker for crude oil theft with 17 crew members with an allegation that Tantita was involved in the incident.

The navy’s statement followed an earlier alarm raised by the company about the arrest of the vessel and a claim supported with video evidence that the navy was resisting access to the vessel.

However, Tantita in a statement on Friday described the navy’s statement as libelous, saying the navy could reduced itself to a low level.

The statement issued by the company’s Director, Operations and Technical, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, read: “Our attention has been drawn to a defamatory and libellous statement made by the Nigerian Navy against our organisation, Tantita Security Services Limited.

READ ALSO: Oil theft: Navy arrests vessel with 17 crew members

“In the statement made on Thursday the 7th of December, 2023 by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, he informed the general public that the Nigerian Navy had detected and arrested a 77 meter long motor tanker for crude oil theft with her 17 crew members.

“He further added and we quote ‘it is believed that Tantita Security Services is involved in these illegalities because Awoye riverine area which is close to the place of arrest is covered by TSS. Again it was upon the arrest of the vessel by the Nigerian Navy that TSS began to raise false alarm, totally unfounded and indeed mischievous’.

“We are indeed saddened and disappointed that the Nigerian Navy could descend so low as to make such bizarre accusations against our organisation knowing same to be false.

“Perhaps they are not aware that video evidence of what transpired between the Tantita operatives and the Nigerian Navy at the scene exists and has been transmitted to the highest authorities.

“We will therefore not join issues with the Nigerian Navy as we are well aware that Nigerians know who is who.”

The Star